Macquarie University’s revitalised Lincoln Building is an excellent example of a sensitive, forward-thinking renovation. The recent upgrade of the university’s central courtyard precinct retains its original Brutalist design and aesthetic qualities of the 1970s while elevating the structure to 21st-century specifications.
Widely recognised as a campus architectural icon, the four-level building has undergone an internal and façade refurbishment to create a natural light-filled interior and vastly improved sense of space. The Lincoln Building houses the Higher Degree Research Office and Research Services Teams, with the refurbishment opening up the ground floor areas to create a new central courtyard for Macquarie University that accommodates various new retail and food outlets.
Updating the central courtyard
Brent Chidgey, Director of Arch-System Fabrication, talks about the project’s rewards, including the extensive use of Capral advanced technology throughout the triumphant update of the Macquarie University courtyard.
As Brent points out, the range of Capral materials incorporated in the rejuvenated Lincoln Building offered many advantages to the upgrade. “One of the project’s most notable features was the Capral Artisan bifold doors, which substantially enhanced the Lincoln Building’s lower-level interior spaces,” he begins. “We utilised these extensively along the ground floor, as they’re an excellent product we’re highly experienced with.”
The bifold doors incorporate Effortless Motion Technology (EMT), making movement ultra-smooth and responsive. This technology is coupled with Capral AGS Commercial, leveraging ‘Smart Hinge’ and ‘Easy Gliding’ channels to create the quietest, smoothest folding doors available. Fully compliant with Australian Standard AS 2047, the Artisan folding doors open up multiple possibilities for the Lincoln Building’s flexible floor space.
Accessibility and openness
“Because the ground floor features a range of food outlets, the University wanted the flush threshold enabled by the Artisan bifold doors,” says Brent.
“Their quiet and smooth operation is a key design feature, and the system also allows for maximum openings and access, making the entire shopfront more accessible while visually heightening each retailer’s presence.”
Capral componentry proved equally valuable in the building’s upper sections. “We used Capral St Kilda adapters on the glass awning out the front,” Brent explains.
“These were chosen for their low-profile nature, which suited the building’s appearance – due to this product’s range of glazing adaptor bases, which allows for a range of glass thicknesses.”
AGS Commercial and Artisan Architectural
Capral componentry accommodated the renovation’s cosmetic elements. “A 2152 toughened laminate frit pattern was embedded in the glazing, fitting directly onto a box section that sat on top of the steel framing,” explains Brent.
Other Capral products provided a further visual lift. “We used four Capral AGS Commercial automatic sliding doors, two internally and two externally, installed in lower ground floor entry hall and ground floor stair 1,” Brent says.
“We’ve worked with these before, with uniformly positive results. With its increased dimensions, the 225 provides for a larger opening than the 200 series.”
The Artisan Architectural 225 door Brent describes is a 46mm pocket glazed commercial panel capable of hinge, pivot and sliding door configurations, designed for flexibility, performance, and ease of assembly. Building on the trusted and reliable 200 and 275 Series doors, the Artisan Architectural 225 door suits various applications, from architectural entry doors to commercial shopfronts.
The Artisan 225 is available in standard and wide styles and is compatible with either single- or double-glazed units. It’s also compatible with a vast range of commercial and architectural locks and furniture and the full range of Capral framing systems.
Structurally glazed mullion
Capral’s AGS 419 Commercial Flushline window system was equally central to the upgrade. “This incorporates a structurally glazed mullion, a key feature we really appreciate for its ability to maximise internal areas while achieving a clean and modern external appearance,” Brent explains. “We’re about to do another job for NSW Rugby featuring Capral structural mullions in some areas, giving it that similarly seamless look from the outside.”
The suites’ slimline features contribute to the Lincoln Building’s unique physical appeal. “The Capral AGS 419 was crucial to the project’s success, as it made the glazing system completely flush with the exterior cladding,” Brent confirms. “Those structural mullions display the building at its best, giving it the uniform appearance we were seeking.”
This modern university building’s stringent energy requirements offered another opportunity for Capral components to excel. “The thermal performance of the Capral products made meeting the required energy targets easier,” Brent notes.
Forward-thinking renovation
The comprehensive level of support received from Capral made this process more congenial for the fabricators. “We had regular contact with the Capral technical support team during the Lincoln Building renovation,” Brent says. “If we ever needed information, they were always there to provide it.”
Capral’s valued assistance extended to testing new products. “With each project we work on with Capral, they help us achieve the relevant SHGC [a measure of how much solar radiation passes through the window] and U values [rate of transfer of heat through a structure],” says Brent. “If they specify a system with glazing that hasn’t been tested, they’ll test that system for us as well.”
The architect’s relationship with Capral made this project run smoothly. “Sometimes, it makes sense to choose components, which have already been tested within that framing system, which is what we’ve done in this case,” says Brent. “Due to the comprehensive level of support we’ve received, as well as the quality of the product, we’re extremely pleased with our ongoing partnership with Capral.”
Project details
Project: Lincoln Building at Macquarie University
Featured Products:
- Artisan Architectural 225 Aluminium Folding Doors
- 225 Series Aluminium Hinged, Pivot & Sliding Doors
- AGS 419 Flushline Single Glazed (100mm) Aluminium Framing System
